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Is Human Information Processing Conscious?

Velmans, Max (1991) Is Human Information Processing Conscious? [Journal (Paginated)]

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Abstract

Investigations of the function of consciousness in human information processing have focused mainly on two questions: (1) where does consciousness enter into the information processing sequence and (2) how does conscious processing differ from preconscious and unconscious processing. Input analysis is thought to be initially "preconscious," "pre-attentive," fast, involuntary, and automatic. This is followed by "conscious," "focal-attentive" analysis which is relatively slow, voluntary, and flexible. It is thought that simple, familiar stimuli can be identified preconsciously, but conscious processing is needed to identify complex, novel stimuli. Conscious processing has also been thought to be necessary for choice, learning and memory, and the organization of complex, novel responses, particularly those requiring planning, reflection, or creativity.

Item Type:Journal (Paginated)
Keywords:attention, brain, complementarity, consciousness, functionalism, information processing, mind, reductionism, unconscious, first person, third person
Subjects:Neuroscience > Behavioral Neuroscience
Psychology > Cognitive Psychology
Computer Science > Artificial Intelligence
Philosophy > Epistemology
Philosophy > Philosophy of Mind
ID Code:593
Deposited By: Velmans, Professor Max,
Deposited On:10 Feb 1998
Last Modified:11 Mar 2011 08:54

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